Mansi has provided a safe space for more than 25 individuals to embrace their true selves with dignity

“It is not an easy life for us. We face humiliation every step of the way. People laugh at us for the clothes we wear or how we talk. It is 2024, but things have hardly changed,” - Mansi Laxmi, an activist from Mumbai.

Mansi founded the Aarju Foundation in 2005 along with a group of dedicated social workers and community activists aiming to improve the socio-economic conditions of the most disadvantaged population, particularly minorities, marginalised women, children, unemployed youths and abandoned elderly  in both rural and urban areas in Maharashtra. This is her story.

Her iron resolve to uplift the community is an inspiration to all  

Born into a conservative family in Gujarat, Mansi didn’t get the support she needed when she came to terms with her reality. At a tender age, she was forced to fend for herself for a morsel of food.

“I have begged at signals after starving for days. Life on the streets is difficult and everyone is ready to take advantage of you. I would never want anyone else to go through what I did and so I am on a mission to fight for their rights and give them a life they deserve.”

A victim of exploitation and discrimination herself, Mansi knows that countless children are forced to leave their homes because their families are not ready to support them. Therefore, along with making headways in crucial areas like medical care, poverty alleviation, non-formal education, adult literacy, health and nutrition, family planning, legal aid support, advocacy, and social protection, Mansi runs a shelter home for these abandoned people in Panvel, Mumbai. 

“This is their home away from home. This is where they feel they finally belong. We are one big family and we take care of each other. Here, they get proper food, care and the means to stand on their feet and be independent.”

Help Mansi reach out to many more in need 

Often we come across news about violence against our people in the TV and the newspapers. Sometimes they’re assaulted and in worse cases, they’re mercilessly butchered to death. Even in this day and age, they’re fighting for basic amenities like food, shelter and respectful life. Mansi Laxmi and Aarju Foundation are working tirelessly to empower the community but it is a huge task and they need your help.

“Begging and s*x work is no life for them. They have the right to live respectfully and on their own terms, just like any of us. Please help me with groceries and hygiene materials to give the 25+ children in my care a better life.”

Your kindness can change their lives and give them a ray of hope - every single donation can save a life.

About the NGO: Founded in 2005, Aarju Foundation was founded by Mansi Laxmi along with a group of dedicated social workers and community activists aiming to improve the socio-economic conditions of the most disadvantaged population, particularly minorities, marginalised women, children, unemployed youths, and abandoned elderly in both rural and urban areas in Maharashtra. They did a commendable job during the world crisis as well by distributing thousands of grocery kits and essentials to vulnerable communities.